VICIOUS thugs attacked a man with learning difficulties, kicking him in the head as he lay defenceless on the ground, then robbed him of his bus pass, glasses and cash.

The attack happened as the 34-year-old victim was walking along the Bow Street Passage, between Yorkshire Street and Union Street in Oldham town centre.

A man attempted to stop them but they ignored him. Police believe his attackers had been waiting for an easy target and detectives have now released graphic CCTV footage of the robbery in a bid to track down the pair.

Det Con Simon Hurdley of Oldham CID said: "This was a nasty attack on a man who was simply walking down the street.

"I believe the robbers were lying in wait for an easy target and, when they spotted this vulnerable man, they pounced. I'd urge people to look at the CCTV and if you know who these offenders are to call us.